Saints' Radford named Scotland defence coach

Lee Radford will remain with Northampton Saints until the end of the season

Northampton Saints defence coach Lee Radford has taken up the same job with Scotland, with the former rugby league player saying he "always aspired to coach on the international stage within rugby union".

The 46-year-old will continue in his role with the English Premiership club this season before going full-time with the national team, with whom he is now contracted until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Radford replaces Steve Tandy, who took over as Wales head coach following the summer tour of Fiji and New Zealand.

The Englishman has been with Northampton for two years, helping them win the league title in 2024, having previously been defence coach for Samoa as they reached the final of the Rugby League World Cup, losing out to Australia.

"To get that opportunity with a nation like Scotland is an incredibly proud moment," Radford told Scottish Rugby.

"I've visited the Scotland camp a couple of times in the last few years and have come away with a great feeling about the place.

"The management are well connected and it's a tight playing group. There's a brilliant chemistry and that's so important.

"Scotland have been very sound defensively over the last few years and there are similarities to how they defend compared to Northampton. My job will be to continue that cohesion as well as adding some of my own touches."

Head coach Gregor Townsend said he "placed huge importance" on finding "a high-quality replacement" for Tandy.

"Lee fits the bill perfectly," he added. "Lee brings a wealth of experience from rugby league and union on the defensive area of the game and will be able to build on the good work that has been done in that area over the last few years."